The top three hopes of the Nyngan Tigers received a huge boost on Sunday after a gritty win over the Forbes Magpies at Spooner Oval.
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The Tigers travelled to Forbes in second place, just one point ahead of the Magpies and also Parkes, so the match was always going to have a big impact on the Group 11 ladder.
After overcoming some errors early, the Tigers went into the half time break leading 10-6 and then held on despite a Forbes comeback to win 24-16.
It was all square at 16 apiece with 14 minutes to go but Tigers fan favourite Todd Rope got his side front and then a Robert Gudgeon try made sure of it.
“It probably came down to our attitude and defence,” Nyngan captain-coach Stewart Mills said post-match.
“We made a few mistakes and made it hard on ourselves but we backed our defence.”
In the final match of the round, the Narromine Jets kept their finals hopes alive while denting those of Wellington’s in a high-scoring 40-34 result at Kennard Park.
The result means the Jets move level with the Cowboys on six points, one behind Macquarie and the all-important fifth spot.
It was 22-all at half time and an even battle right to the end but a flying DJ Gordon scored in the shadows of full time to set off Narromine’s celebrations.
Both Narromine and Wellington face huge tests next week, against Forbes and CYMS respectively, while Macquarie meets Westside. Parkes and Nyngan will battle for second in the other match next round.